National Family Week, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

Families are indispensable to a stable and free society. They pass
along the traditions and principles that help make America
compassionate, decent, and hopeful. During National Family Week, we
honor our families and recognize their contributions to keeping our
country strong.

Today's fast-changing world needs the anchor of values and virtues
that families can provide. Strong families instill responsibility and
character in our children and teach them the ideals that make us a great
Nation. Through their love and sacrifice, America's parents,
grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other family members help
prepare our young people to realize the bright future America offers
each child.

My Administration is committed to ensuring that our children grow
up in loving, stable homes. Earlier this year, I signed legislation
that creates new grants for faith-based and community organizations to
support healthy marriages and responsible fatherhood. By reducing the
marriage penalty and doubling the child tax credit, we have also
provided important tax relief that helps parents to support and provide
for their families.

During National Family Week and throughout the year, we also extend
our appreciation and support to our courageous military families, who
have borne the hardships of war with dignity and devotion. Our Nation
has remained strong and free because the brave men and women of our
Armed Forces defend this country and our beliefs. By supporting their
loved ones in uniform, our military families are also serving our
country, and America is grateful for their service and sacrifice.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 19 through
November 25, 2006, as National Family Week. I invite the States,
communities, and all the people of the United States to join together in
observing this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor
our Nation's families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day
of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-first.